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USS Thorn (DD 988)

USS THORN was the 26^th SPRUANCE - class destroyer and the second ship in the Navy to bear the name. Both decommissioned and stricken from the Navy list on August 25, 2004, the THORN was subsequently towed to the Inactive Ships On-site Maintenance Office, Philadelphia, Penn., where she remained until she was sunk as a target on July 22, 2006, off the US east coast.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS THORN. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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• Click here to see which USS THORN memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS THORN Cruise Books:

• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1981
• STANAVFORMED Cruise Book 1998-99
• Final Cruise Book 2003-04

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USS THORN Patch Gallery:

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About the Ship's Namesake:

Jonathan Thorn - born on 8 January 1779 at Schenectady, N.Y. - was appointed a midshipman on 28 April 1800. Subsequently serving with the Navy during the Tripolitan War, Thorn volunteered to take part in the hazardous expedition to destroy the captured frigate PHILADELPHIA, which lay beneath the guns of the shore batteries in heavily defended Tripoli harbor. On 16 February 1804, Lt. Stephen Decatur, Jr., led a party of these volunteers in the ketch INTREPID into Tripoli and burned the erstwhile American frigate.

Attached to the schooner ENTERPRISE, Thorn was then assigned to Gunboat No. 4, under Decatur's command. In this vessel, he participated in the attack on Tripoli, with Commodore Edward Preble's squadron on 3 August 1804. Specially commended by Decatur for his conduct in this battle, Thorn received command of one of the Tripolitan gunboats captured and commanded this vessel in the engagement with the Tripolitan pirates on 7 August.

Commissioned a lieutenant on 16 February 1807, Thorn became the first commandant of the New York Navy Yard at age 27. In 1810, he was granted a two-year furlough to command John Jacob Astor's sailing bark TONQUIN in a voyage slated to take the ship to the Pacific Northwest to establish a fur trading post. Anchoring off Nootka on 5 June 1811, after a voyage which had taken the ship around Cape Horn to the Hawaiian Islands and to the mouth of the Columbia River, Thorn soon began trading with the local Indians. Angered by what they considered a bad business deal, the Indians came on board TONQUIN and, in a brief, bloody action, massacred Thorn and his crew.

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USS THORN History:

USS THORN, the 26th SPRUANCE-class destroyer and the second U.S. Navy ship named in honor of Lieutenant Jonathan Thorn, was ordered on January 15, 1975. Her keel was laid at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on August 29, 1977. She was launched on November 22, 1978, christened by Mrs. Patricia Palmer Ansley on February 3, 1979, and delivered to the Navy on January 21, 1980. THORN was commissioned on February 16, 1980, with Commander Charles A. Sellgren as her first commanding officer. Assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and initially homeported at Charleston, South Carolina, the destroyer was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, employing gas-turbine propulsion, long-range sonar systems, and embarked helicopters.

Following commissioning, THORN conducted post-delivery trials, equipment evaluations, and shakedown training. During 1980, her crew completed engineering, weapons, and aviation qualifications in preparation for sustained fleet operations. She subsequently entered the Atlantic Fleet deployment cycle, which included assignments with the U.S. Sixth Fleet and participation in NATO exercises.

During 1981, THORN undertook her first extended Mediterranean deployment. The voyage included a transatlantic passage through the Azores and operations in the western and eastern Mediterranean under Sixth Fleet control. The ship conducted naval exercises, weapons training, underway replenishments, and port visits. Among her documented port calls was Livorno, Italy, where she was photographed on July 25, 1981. The deployment also included visits to other Mediterranean ports and opportunities for maintenance and replenishment before the destroyer returned to the Atlantic Fleet.

During 1982, THORN returned to the Mediterranean as American naval forces increased their presence in the eastern part of the sea following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and the deployment of the Multinational Force to Beirut. THORN operated in the area during October and November, when U.S. Sixth Fleet surface combatants, aircraft carriers, and amphibious ships supported American and multinational military operations connected with the Lebanon crisis. The destroyer's service from October 4 through November 5, 1982, was subsequently recognized with eligibility for the Navy Expeditionary Medal. Following her overseas assignment, THORN returned to the United States and resumed maintenance and training.

During 1983, THORN continued operations with the Sixth Fleet. She was among the American surface combatants receiving maintenance support from USS PUGET SOUND (AD 38), which was then serving as the Sixth Fleet flagship and operating as a destroyer tender from Gaeta, Italy. Photographs from the period show THORN moored alongside the tender at Gaeta. Such forward maintenance arrangements enabled deployed destroyers to obtain machinery repairs, electronics servicing, and other technical support without returning to the United States.

In 1984, THORN was assigned to UNITAS XXV, the annual series of combined naval exercises involving the United States and South American countries. On June 14, opening ceremonies were held at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, with American and South American naval officers assembled aboard THORN. The destroyer subsequently participated in the multinational deployment around South America, conducting combined exercises and port visits with regional naval forces. The voyage included a Panama Canal transit and operations along the Pacific coast of South America, where the participating ships practiced surface warfare, anti-submarine tactics, communications, and formation maneuvering.

During the remaining stages of UNITAS XXV, THORN continued combined operations with South American naval units before completing the deployment and returning to Atlantic Fleet duties. The ship subsequently entered a period of maintenance and operational preparation during 1985, followed by trials and training to restore readiness for further deployments.

In 1986, THORN participated in NATO operations in northern European waters. On June 18, she was photographed at Portsmouth, England, during a visit associated with Atlantic Fleet activities. Later that summer, she operated in the North Atlantic and Norwegian Sea during Exercise NORTHERN WEDDING '86, a major NATO exercise conducted from late August into September. The exercise involved American and allied surface ships, submarines, aircraft, and amphibious forces practicing the reinforcement and defense of Northern Europe. THORN participated in the naval operations associated with the exercise, including coordinated maneuvering and anti-submarine warfare training.

Following the NATO exercise, THORN continued operations in northern European waters and returned to Portsmouth, England, where she was photographed again on October 21, 1986. She subsequently returned to the United States for maintenance and preparation for another Mediterranean deployment.

After completing refresher training and other preparations during 1987, THORN deployed to the Mediterranean with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. During November, the destroyer visited Genoa, Italy, where she was photographed on November 21 and November 25. Her deployment continued through December with operations and port visits in the western Mediterranean.

On December 21, 1987, THORN arrived at Barcelona, Spain, for a Christmas holiday port visit. USS DONALD B. BEARY (FF 1085) was also visiting the city. On the evening of December 26, two hand grenades were thrown into the Iruna Bar near the waterfront, part of which was being used as a temporary United Service Organizations facility for visiting American sailors. The explosions wounded ten U.S. Navy personnel. Petty Officer Ronald Strong, a member of THORN's crew, died of his injuries at Hospital del Mar during the early morning hours of December 27. Nine other sailors were wounded in the attack.

Following the bombing, liberty was canceled for the crews of THORN and DONALD B. BEARY. Both ships departed Barcelona on December 28 with their flags at half-mast. THORN left five days earlier than originally scheduled, while DONALD B. BEARY departed on her previously planned date. The ships proceeded toward Naples, Italy, as Spanish authorities continued their investigation into the attack. THORN subsequently completed her Mediterranean deployment and returned to the United States during the opening months of 1988.

During 1988 and the first part of 1989, THORN continued operations and training with the Atlantic Fleet. Her activities included exercises in the western Atlantic, maintenance periods, and preparations for another overseas deployment. In 1989, Charleston remained her homeport. During the autumn of that year, THORN departed for another Mediterranean deployment, operating with the U.S. Sixth Fleet through the winter of 1989-1990. The assignment included exercises, surveillance operations, underway replenishments, and port visits in support of the American naval presence in the Mediterranean. She returned to the United States during the spring of 1990.

During 1991, THORN resumed Atlantic Fleet operations, including maintenance, inspections, and training in preparation for another Mediterranean deployment. In November 1991, she departed for a six-month assignment with the Sixth Fleet. The deployment included operations with American and allied naval units in the Mediterranean, where maritime surveillance and regional security missions were becoming increasingly important following the Gulf War and the outbreak of conflict in the former Yugoslavia.

During the Mediterranean deployment, THORN conducted exercises and replenishment operations with other Sixth Fleet ships. On January 31, 1992, she conducted a highline transfer with USS CARR (FFG 52), practicing the transfer of material between ships underway. On March 27, 1992, Commander James Byron Campbell assumed command of THORN. The destroyer completed her deployment and returned to the United States in May, subsequently entering another period of maintenance and readiness training.

During the latter half of 1992 and the opening months of 1993, THORN conducted operations in the western Atlantic and North Atlantic. Her training included engineering drills, combat-system exercises, and anti-submarine warfare operations. Preparations continued for another Mediterranean deployment as NATO and Western European naval forces became increasingly involved in monitoring and enforcing United Nations sanctions connected with the wars in the former Yugoslavia.

In late August 1993, THORN began another extended Mediterranean assignment. The deployment took place during Operation SHARP GUARD, the combined NATO and Western European Union maritime embargo operation in the Adriatic Sea. American and allied naval units were engaged in monitoring merchant traffic and enforcing United Nations sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. THORN operated with Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean during this period, supporting the maritime security presence associated with the embargo. Her service from August 25, 1993, through January 26, 1994, was recognized with a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

On December 7, 1993, Commander Robert Daniel Conrad relieved Commander Campbell as commanding officer. THORN continued her Mediterranean assignment into early 1994 before returning to the United States. Following her return, the destroyer began an extended maintenance period that included work on her propulsion, hull, and combat systems. On October 29, 1994, THORN and USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD 981) were photographed undergoing overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation on the James River in Virginia.

The maintenance and modernization period continued into 1995. As part of the SPRUANCE-class combat-system modernization program, THORN received improvements intended to expand her strike-warfare and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. These included the installation of a Mk 41 vertical launching system and upgrades to associated combat equipment. The destroyer subsequently conducted trials, systems testing, and training as she returned to operational service.

By 1996, THORN was operating from the Norfolk area and had resumed overseas deployments and NATO assignments. On September 13, 1996, the destroyer was photographed during a port visit to Hamburg, Germany. The visit formed part of her activities in northern European waters, which included exercises and cooperation with allied naval forces. THORN subsequently returned to the Atlantic Fleet for further maintenance and preparation for her next deployment.

In the spring of 1997, THORN departed for a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf. Operating under U.S. Fifth Fleet control, the destroyer supported Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and the continuing enforcement of United Nations sanctions imposed on Iraq following the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. While assigned to the region, she conducted patrols and maritime security operations and participated in bilateral and multinational exercises with British, Bahraini, and Saudi Arabian naval forces. On September 26, 1997, THORN returned to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard area at Portsmouth, Virginia, following completion of the deployment.

During 1998, THORN continued fleet training and prepared for another Mediterranean assignment. On August 9, she participated in a sinking exercise near Puerto Rico involving the former guided missile cruiser USS RICHMOND K. TURNER (CG 20). The exercise involved ships and aircraft of the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) Battle Group, including USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58), USS NICHOLSON (DD 982), and THORN, together with aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Three. The former cruiser was attacked using ship-launched and air-launched weapons before sinking in deep water.

In November 1998, THORN relieved USS DEYO (DD 989) as the American flagship of Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED), NATO's permanently assigned multinational naval force in the Mediterranean. DEYO had served as the force flagship during her deployment earlier that year and returned to Norfolk on December 10. THORN continued the NATO assignment under Commander Joseph Sensi, Jr., who had assumed command on September 11, 1998. The deployment involved multinational exercises, maritime surveillance, communications training, and operations with allied frigates and destroyers.

From January 8-13, 1999, THORN visited Split, Croatia, during her assignment to STANAVFORMED. The port call included official contacts with the Croatian Navy and local authorities. During the same period, other American destroyers assigned to NATO's Mediterranean standing force conducted visits to Croatian ports, including DEYO in August 1998 and NICHOLSON in February 1999. THORN subsequently resumed operations with the multinational force in the Mediterranean and Adriatic.

During the opening months of 1999, THORN participated in NATO exercises and operational activities associated with the alliance's continuing military presence in the Mediterranean. The deployment coincided with the Kosovo crisis and the beginning of NATO air operations against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on March 24. THORN continued her assignment with STANAVFORMED during this period, operating with allied naval units in the Mediterranean before returning to Norfolk during the spring of 1999.

During 2000, THORN continued operations with the Atlantic Fleet, including training, maintenance, and preparations for another deployment. Her activities included exercises in the western Atlantic and further work on her shipboard communications and combat systems. The destroyer also received information technology improvements associated with the Navy's IT-21 program, providing expanded computer networking, electronic mail, and communications capabilities for the crew.

In 2001, THORN deployed with elements of the ENTERPRISE Carrier Battle Group for operations in the Mediterranean and Middle East. The deployment involved American and allied naval units and included exercises, maritime security operations, and scheduled port visits. On May 10, THORN was photographed at Gibraltar. She subsequently continued into the Mediterranean for Sixth Fleet operations.

On June 25, 2001, THORN arrived at Split, Croatia, for a scheduled port visit that continued through June 29. The destroyer was commanded by Commander Alfred L. Pope. During the visit, THORN's officers met representatives of the Croatian Navy, including Captain Zdravko Kardum. The ship was operating under Sixth Fleet control as part of the broader ENTERPRISE deployment. Following the visit, THORN resumed operations in the Mediterranean and arrived at Valletta, Malta, for a port call on July 4.

On July 12, 2001, THORN participated in an unusual rescue operation involving sea turtles trapped in a discarded fishing net. The ship's embarked helicopter spotted four turtles entangled in the net and reported their position to the destroyer. THORN launched a seven-man rigid-hull inflatable boat to investigate. Three of the turtles had already died, but the boat crew found the fourth alive. Using knives and bolt cutters, the sailors freed the surviving animal, removed a fishing hook, and returned it to the sea.

THORN continued Mediterranean operations during the summer of 2001. On August 10, she was photographed at Barcelona, Spain, during another port visit. The terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11 brought major changes to American naval operations worldwide. Although the ENTERPRISE Battle Group was ordered to remain in the region and subsequently supported the opening phase of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, not all ships originally assigned to the group accompanied the carrier into the North Arabian Sea. THORN was among the units that had remained in the Mediterranean or departed the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility. Her direct participation in the initial strikes against Afghanistan is not documented.

Following the 2001 deployment, THORN resumed maintenance and training in the Norfolk area. During 2002, the destroyer conducted local operations, engineering and combat-system exercises, and readiness inspections. On July 23, 2002, she was photographed at Naval Station Norfolk. Preparations continued into 2003 for another overseas deployment, with particular emphasis on maritime security operations and interoperability with other American and allied naval forces.

On July 21, 2003, THORN participated in SINKEX 2003 off the coast of Virginia. During the exercise, the destroyer fired her aft Mk 45 5-inch/54-caliber gun and launched an AGM-84A Harpoon anti-ship missile. The event provided live-fire training and tested the ship's ability to employ surface warfare weapons against a designated target.

On September 5, 2003, THORN operated in company with USS COLE (DDG 67) and USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66) during divisional tactics exercises in the Atlantic. The ships were preparing for a six-month deployment. On September 22, THORN was photographed escorting ENTERPRISE during a Comprehensive Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) conducted as part of the carrier strike group's pre-deployment training. The exercises tested coordinated operations, communications, and the ability of participating ships to carry out assigned missions within a larger naval formation.

On November 29, 2003, THORN departed Norfolk together with COLE and GONZALEZ for what became her final overseas deployment. The three ships deployed as a Surface Strike Group for operations in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters. THORN embarked Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 48 (HSL-48), Detachment 10, known as the "Chickens," equipped with SH-60B Seahawk helicopters. The detachment supported the destroyer's maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare missions throughout the deployment.

During the winter of 2003-2004, THORN operated in the Mediterranean and subsequently in the waters around the Horn of Africa. Her assignments included maritime security operations, surveillance, and the escort of American merchant shipping through the Strait of Gibraltar. The embarked HSL-48 detachment also participated in a major bilateral exercise involving Israeli and American military forces. These activities formed part of the wider American and allied effort to protect maritime traffic and maintain naval security in strategically important waterways.

On February 20, 2004, THORN crossed the equator during the overseas deployment, an event traditionally marked by the initiation of crew members who had not previously crossed the line. The destroyer subsequently continued operations in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean regions. On April 23, THORN arrived at the Marathi Pier Facility in Souda Bay, Crete, for a port visit and logistical support before resuming the homeward passage.

On May 27, 2004, COLE returned to Norfolk following completion of her deployment. THORN and GONZALEZ arrived the following day, May 28. Following her return, THORN began preparations for decommissioning. Equipment and supplies were removed or secured, and the ship completed the administrative and material requirements associated with her retirement from active service.

On August 25, 2004, THORN was decommissioned at Norfolk and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on the same date. Following the ceremony, the former destroyer was taken in tow by USS GRASP (ARS 51), which departed Norfolk on August 25 and delivered the ship to the Naval Sea Systems Command inactive ship facility at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 30. THORN remained in inactive storage at Philadelphia until selected for use as a target in a naval sinking exercise. On July 22, 2006, the former destroyer was sunk off the coast of North Carolina during a U.S. Navy weapons exercise.

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USS THORN Image Gallery:

The photos below were taken by Brian Barton when USS THORN was at Naval Base Norfolk on July 23, 2002.

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